How does curved space affect time?

The curvature of spacetime (not just space) is responsible for gravity. Literally, near heavy objects, the “future direction” points slightly down. So anything that moves forward in time will find its trajectory pointing down slightly.

Does mass stretch spacetime?

The spacetime curvature around any massive object is determined by the combination of mass and… We are taught that mass warps spacetime, and the curvature of spacetime around mass explains gravity – so that an object in orbit around Earth, for example, is actually going in a straight line through curved spacetime.

What determines the curvature of space?

Gravity is the curvature of spacetime Gravity is the curvature of the universe, caused by massive bodies, which determines the path that objects travel. That curvature is dynamical, moving as those objects move. In Einstein’s view of the world, gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects.

How does mass distort space time?

Large objects such as the Sun and planets aren’t the only masses that warp the fabric of space-time. Anything with mass—including your body—bends this four-dimensional cosmic grid. The warp, in turn, creates the effect of gravity, redirecting the path of objects that travel into it.

Why do straight lines not look straight in curved space?

The presence of mass, which we typically think of as gravity, distorts distance and time nearby. This, as we just learned, curves spacetime. And in a curved spacetime, straight lines don’t look straight. Now here’s the clincher.

What is the curvature of spacetime?

A distortion in the way we measure distance implies curvature. In the context of general relativity, this is what we mean when we say spacetime is curved. Distance has warped such that the straightest possible path is not what you expect.

Is gravity actually curved space?

If gravity is actually curved space and if falling objects are simply following the natural curves of space why does each object have its own curve? This is a great question which goes to the heart of why Einstein said gravity is the curvature of space-time, rather than just the curvature of space.

What is a geodesic in curved space?

In flat space, a geodesic is a straight line. But in curved space, a geodesic is not a straight line. But it’s the closest thing to a straight line you can get. Indeed, it’s the appropriate definition of straightness. In curved spacetime, straight lines look curved. I told you gravity isn’t a force, but looks like one.